Biological Resources Specialist

Sapphos Environmental, Inc. is seeking a highly experienced and qualified Biological Resources Specialist with extensive technical expertise and project coordination capabilities. This position requires a repertoire of biological and environmental compliance technical knowledge, including permitting and regulatory expertise, in addition to project management skills. Under the direction of the Biological Resources Manager, this position would require the employee to concurrently manage multiple projects, including the coordination and scheduling of resources and deliverables; budget management; design and conduct field studies; prepare and review technical reports; respond to Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs); maintain and build client relationships; and prepare and provide input to proposals. Superior technical writing skills and experience with the structure and formatting of a range of technical document types are required. The candidate should be adaptable in a fast-paced environment with the ability to assess priorities, effectively manage time, and collaborate within the team. A strong work ethic and collaborative spirit exemplify our existing team dynamics. The willingness to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry is a must.

Responsibilities

Review, write, and revise environmental compliance documents including: Biological Resources Technical Reports, Habitat Assessments, Permit applications and amendments (404, 401, 1600, 2081, Section 7/10), Biological Resources sections of CEQA and NEPA documents
Write technically and procedurally adequate, legally defensible, organized, accurate, and grammatically correct technical documents
Facilitate and directly acquire permits in accordance with various agencies’ regulations
Identify appropriate resources in preparing technical documents. Document coordination efforts in Contact Report Forms (CRFs). Evaluate sources and check for accuracy
Create accurate and manageable schedules for project work, understanding scope and budget, using Mavenlink project management software
Coordinate budgets and labor specifications with PMs, field crew, technical managers, and other stakeholders
Identify appropriate subcontractors and supervise subcontractor work performance
Attend, direct, and prepare for stakeholders’ meetings
Travel (multi-day) to remote work sites, including satellite offices
Work to the satisfaction of the client and foster a strong company-client relationship
Maintain the administrative record for all projects as specified in company procedures.
Assist in marketing efforts and development of project proposals
Make accurate, well prepared, and illustrated public presentations and participate in project-related public meetings (scoping, public review, and certification)
Obtain and maintain relevant permits and licenses, including state collecting permits
Participate in fieldwork expeditions when necessary
Attend meetings with clients at the request of project managers to provide expertise and consultation related to biological resources endeavors

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 12+ years of experience, OR master’s degree and 9+years of experience, OR PhD and 6+years of experience Biology, Botany, Environmental Sciences, Ecology or other related field
Regulatory compliance and oversight understanding
Knowledge of Southern California plant and wildlife communities
Experience with CEQA and NEPA regulatory compliance
Demonstrable planning, communication, scheduling, project tracking and organizational skills
Stakeholder relationship building, coordination and cooperation
Dispute resolution and problem solving skills
Strong expertise in the acquisition of permits through various agencies
Professional certifications a PLUS
Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills
Versatile and proven team player

Additional Information

Location: Pasadena, CA or Wasco, California
(We have 2 offices. Our corporate office is located in Pasadena, and we have a satellite office in Wasco California, near Bakersfield.)
Salary: $87,360 - $96,096
Benefits: medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401k/Roth retirement accounts, flexible spending account, generous PTO package with up to 12 paid holidays (2 more after one year), annual training allotment, annual gym allotment, monthly public transportation stipend, and more.

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